Hippocampus Function

We all know how important is the role played by the brain in the human body. It is among the most complex organs and is responsible for controlling almost every action in the body. Right from making movements to memorizing and thinking, the brain has an important role. Each part of the brain is attributed with different functions. The brain is divided into three main parts - cerebrum, cerebellum and the brain stem. Cerebrum, which is otherwise known as cortex, is the largest part of the brain. Cerebrum has four lobes - frontal lobe, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, and temporal lobe. Hippocampus is a brain structure that is located in the medial temporal lobe and is responsible for some major functions. Read on for more information about hippocampus function and location.

More about Hippocampus

A major part of the brain, hippocampus is a part of the limbic system, which is responsible for functions, like, emotion, behavior, long-term memory and olfaction. Hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, beneath the cortex. The volume of hippocampus is around 3 to 3.5 cm³ in adult humans. It has a distinct curved shape, that is compared to the shape of a seahorse. In fact, the name hippocampus is derived from the Latin name (hippocampus) for this marine creature. Hippocampus is a paired structure, with two identical halves that are located on the left and right sides of the brain. It is a brain part, wherein different neuronal structures are neatly organized in layers. Studies show that this brain structure is part of the nervous system and is almost similar in all mammals. It is also believed to be one of the oldest parts of the brain, as far as the evolutionary development of the organ is concerned. The following paragraph deals with the functions of the hippocampus.

Hippocampus Functions

Now, we know that hippocampus is a part of the limbic system, which has specific functions. The most important functions of the hippocampus includes long-term memory (especially episodic memories relating to personal events and related emotions) and spatial navigation. Earlier, it was thought that the hippocampus is responsible for olfaction and this belief was later, proved false. However, studies to figure out the role of hippocampus in some olfactory responses, like, memory of smell, is still underway. As of now, hippocampus functions are found to be associated with consolidation of episodic memories and spatial navigation.

It has been observed that brain injury or to be more specific, damage to the hippocampus (as in some cases of amnesia) affects the person's ability to form new memories. The person may also fail to recollect old memories. Hippocampal damage may not affect the ability to learn new cognitive skills. In case of Alzheimer's disease, hippocampus is one of those brain parts, that is primarily affected. This causes memory loss and disorientation. In general, damage to hippocampus can cause oxygen starvation, encephalitis, medial temporal lobe epilepsy, etc. Navigation is another area, where hippocampus is involved. Hippocampus has 'place cells', that are responsible for this function. According to one theory, the hippocampus may act as a cognitive map, that helps in navigation. This is substantiated with the fact that people with weak hippocampus lack spatial memory and may forget about where they have been or where to go. This is why, it is said that a strong and intact hippocampus is required for spatial navigation tasks. You may read more on how does the brain work.

Now, you have a basic idea about the hippocampus, which is one of the vital parts of the brain. The above said is only a brief overview about hippocampus function. It is a complex brain structure, which still is a subject of various researches. So, if you are interested in knowing more about hippocampus, you may conduct a detailed study about this part of the brain.